Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Interesting Bike Discovery ...

This is the X-Pro Navy 150 (not an affiliate link) at Walmart:


Looks a lot like my Italica Bulldog 150 (except in gray -- there's not a yellow model on offer).

Because, for all practical purposes, it is an Italica Bulldog 150. Same engine, same frame, structurally identical and, except for some exceedingly minor styling differences and brand name, otherwise identical.

Oh, and it's about $500 cheaper. That doesn't include the assembly I got when buying the Italica through my local dealer, but definitely not a bad deal if you'd like a Honda Navi but aren't willing to pay twice as much for the Honda name and a smaller engine and can do some fairly easy assembly work yourself.

I got my Lifan KP Mini 150 with the X-Pro branding, and since the experience with that has been excellent I'm not scared of buying that brand.

Even after I move up to a larger motorcycle, I think I will always want one of these around the house for in-town and short-distance rides. I might go with this one, or with Italica again, or find a used Navi, but they're just so convenient and fun to ride that I'd hate to live without one.

Wordle 1831 Hint

Hint: It used to be considered an insult; now it's a fairly common self-descriptor. 

Not Enough? Get the first letter of today's Wordle after the ad below.

New to Wordle? You can play it at the New York Times, and here are some thoughts on how I go about solving each day's puzzle.

First Letter: Q

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Wordle 1830 Hint

Hint: The Portuguese brought chili peppers to India -- then India brought this kind of food to the world. 

Not Enough? Get the first letter of today's Wordle after the ad below.

New to Wordle? You can play it at the New York Times, and here are some thoughts on how I go about solving each day's puzzle.

First Letter: C